Sue Rushford, L.M.T. — Owner, D/B/A Bodywork Café
Bodywork Café is a Sole Proprietorship, operating in Chicago, Illinois.
TRAINING
Seminars, Certifications, and Accomplishments
Doctor Days at the Hippocrates Institute ~ West Palm Beach, FL ~ April, 2019
The Body Aquarium – Lymphatic Mojo ~ Dr. Perry Nickelston ~March, 2019
Introduction to Trager ~ March, 2019
Manzanares Method of Reflexology ~ Sinus & Allergy ~ February, 2019
Theta Healing (Energy Work) ~ January, 2019
Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization – Exercise Course, Part 1 ~ January, 2019
EBFA Barefoot Rehab Specialist ~ December, 2018
Manzanares Method of Reflexology ~ Lymphatic Reflexology ~ December, 2018
Myofascial Release I ~ John F. Barnes ~ July, 2018
DermoNeuroModulation Certification of Completion ~ June, 2018
The New School for Massage Therapy ~ June, 2018
Akashic Records Training ~ April, 2018
Brain-Move® Certificate of Completion ~ June, 2017
Proprioceptive Deep-Tendon Reflex® (P-DTR®) – Level 1 Certification ~ May, 2017
Meridian Massage Certification from Big Tree School of Natural Healing ~ April, 2017
Anatomy in Motion® Certificate of Completion ~ March, 2017
Integrated Cranial – Certificate of Completion ~ November, 2016
Advanced Integrated Palpation and Muscle Testing ~ August, 2016
NeuroKinetic Therapy® – Level 3 Certification & Teachers Asst. all levels ~ December, 2016
Fascial Highways ~ Medical Minds in Motion course ~ May, 2016
EBFA Barefoot Training Specialist – Level 2 Certification ~ March, 2016
Reiki – Level 1 ~ December, 2015
Facial Movement Taping – Level 1 Certified RockTape® Provider ~ January, 2015
Tai Chi and Qi Gong Teaching Certification ~ January, 2013
Plant-Based Nutrition Certification – Cornell University ~ December 2010
Certified Billy Blanks® Tae Bo® Instructor ~ March, 2008
Certified IFTA Aerobic Kickboxing Instructor ~ January, 2007
Strength Training and Conditioning Certification ~ January, 2007
Herbal Supplements Certification ~ Nutrition Dimentions ~ January, 2007
American Council on Exercise Certified Personal Fitness Trainer ~ 2004-Present
Marathon Runner – completed 6 full marathons and dozens of half marathons – prepared training programs for 5K through ~ 2007 - 2012
Martial Artist – Kung Fu, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, Capoeira, Boxing, Kickboxing, Muay Thai, Sumo, Tai Chi, Taekwondo, Shorin-Ryo Karate ~ 2000 - 2017
AIFE Exercise for Older Adults Certification ~ August, 2004
Director of Global Talent for the Chicago International Salsa Congress ~ 2002-2003
Salsa Dancing Teacher for the Dance Academy of Salsa ~ 2001-2002
Performer at the Congreso del Mundo de la Salsa in San Juan, Puerto Rico ~ 2001
Starting Setter on First Place Volleyball Team at Badger State Games ~1987
Big 10 Volleyball Player for the University of Wisconsin – Madison ~ 1983
Super-Sectionals Gymnastics Vaulting competitor in High School ~1983
Varsity Volleyball and Varsity Gymnastics in High School ~ 1980-1983
[Education]
BA History, University of Wisconsin - Madison, WI
MA Linguistics, Northeastern Illinois University - Chicago, IL
PRACTICE PHILOSOPHY
Our bodies are designed to be healthy, and, barring barriers, are programmed to return to homeostasis without the interference of unnatural substances and procedures (i.e. pharmaceuticals and barbaric surgeries). We all have the ability to heal our own bodies, given proper nutrition, sunshine, water, community, love, purpose, passion, movement/exercise, etc. We should strive to heal ourselves and keep ourselves healthy. Nobody knows more about our own bodies and minds than ourselves. But it is impossible to know it all. We will likely also need to enlist professional guidance from holistic health practitioners and assistance from bodyworkers or therapists – at the very least, to do our glute work for us! We are one, and we all need each other. I feel that if someone has the ability to help others, they owe it to themselves and to humanity to do so. Helping others is one of the most gratifying ways to help ourselves.
WHY I DO WHAT I DO
It is my life's purpose to help others heal. In order to help others, we have to educate ourselves and seek out experience. I have been absolutely driven to learn about the workings of the human body, with a focus on the soft tissues – the muscles, the fascia – learning how and why they become dysfunctional and the many therapeutic approaches to return the body closer to pain-free, normotonic function. My plan is to dive in and begin sharing my skills, the massage and bodywork therapies that I have studied at length and feel confident using in an atmosphere where I can comfortably begin slowly working in additional cutting edge techniques and modalities that I have studied at certification workshops and more specialized courses.
A LITTLE ABOUT ME; HOBBIES, FAMILY, INTERESTS
I am an ethical vegan who enjoys listening to podcasts on healthy living and holistic healing. In my life before a foot injury, I was a gymnast, a volleyball player, a salsa dancer, a 6-time marathon runner, a blue belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and I've studied several other martial arts.
